Shows how children's use of explicit oral language is related to success in learning to read and writing. Outlines a technique to teach the use of explicit language through dramatic play. (HTH)

Investigates preschoolers' acquisition of oral narrative skills in Venezuela. Finds that, very early on, children from diverse social backgrounds produce narratives that differ in structure and evaluation; that these differences become more marked at the age of five than at the age of four; and that these skills do not follow a single…

Explores the transition of several children from spoken language to beginning writing. (HTH)

Explores questions of concern for writing research in the areas of context in writing and the teaching of writing. Discusses some research designs and procedures. (HTH)

This article illustrates not only how students with special needs grew as writers in an inclusive writing community, but also how a fourth-grade teacher systematically structured the learning environment and tailored her instruction to guide her students to develop as writers as well as to improve their language skills. (Contains 4 figures and a…

Discusses computers and related technologies as a significant means for acquiring language arts skills. Samples a wide array of uses for educational computing in English and language arts classes. (SR)

Discusses the measurable benefits in reading improvement, language skills, listening skills, and access to material beyond present skills that children receive from teachers reading aloud. Includes guidelines for successfully reading aloud in the classroom and a brief bibliography of sources of good books to read aloud. (HTH)